Cordillera Blanca: Peru off the beaten track

Credit: PromPeru

Peru is a country rich in cultural and natural diversity, from Machu Picchu to the snow-capped peaks of the Andes. Beyond the fascinating history of the Incas and well-known tourist attractions such as llamas and Cusco, there is another side to Peru that is less explored but just as fascinating – the Cordillera Blanca.

Credit: PromPeru

Nestling in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, the Cordillera Blanca is the highest tropical mountain range in the world. It offers a spectacular landscape of sharp peaks, emerald lakes and narrow gorges. This part of Peru is a veritable playground for adventurers, mountaineers and hikers, with a plethora of hiking trails, climbing routes and camping sites.

The town of Huaraz – in the Ancash region – serves as a base camp for those wishing to explore the Cordillera Blanca. Although the town was destroyed by an earthquake in 1970, it has been rebuilt with particular attention paid to preparing visitors for their high-altitude adventures. Huaraz has several good trekking and mountaineering agencies, as well as outdoor equipment shops for mountain gear. The town also offers good restaurants for refreshments before or after an excursion.

Laguna 69 (Credit: PromPeru)

However, a stay in Huaraz is not just about preparing for a trek or a climb. There are many exciting excursions around Huaraz to begin acclimatising to the altitude. Laguna Churup, for example, is a popular excursion that offers a picturesque trail leading to a spectacular lake at the foot of the glaciers. Another must-see is Laguna 69, renowned for its intense blue waters and spectacular setting at the foot of snow-capped peaks.

When it comes to trekking, the Cordillera Blanca offers a variety of options, with renowned treks such as the highly accessible Ishinca, or the tour of Alpamayo, often considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, making it a summit of choice for experienced mountaineers. The popular Santa Cruz trek is a three- to four-day hike offering spectacular views, ideal for those who are short on time but want a memorable experience. The ideal season for these treks is the austral winter: June, July and August. The weather is cold at altitude, but the sun is abundant.

Mount Artesonraju (Credit: Interisti)

When discovering the Cordillera Blanca, there is one peak that may seem strangely familiar to film buffs: Artesonraju. With an altitude of 6025 metres, this mountain is the silhouette seen at the start of Paramount Pictures films!

The Cordillera Blanca is not just another tourist destination in Peru, it is an adventure in itself, an immersion in grandiose, little-explored natural landscapes. Whether you’re a keen hiker looking for the next trail to conquer, a daring mountaineer in search of new peaks, or a nature lover thirsting for breathtaking views and tranquillity, the Ancash region is a veritable treasure trove. Here, every trail, every mountain, every lake promises an unforgettable and rewarding experience.